Perimenopause typically begins after the age of 40 and can last for 5 to 10 years before a woman reaches menopause. This phase is caused by a decline in the activity of the brain-pituitary-ovarian axis, leading to disruptions in the three key hormones: estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. During this period, women often face a range of physical and emotional challenges.

Pharmacist Do Xuan Hoa from the Medical Information Center, Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City, outlined the recognizable symptoms of perimenopause:

Menstrual irregularities are often the first noticeable sign of perimenopause. Women may experience cycles that are further apart or shorter than before. The duration and volume of menstrual bleeding can also change, becoming either lighter or heavier. Some women may experience prolonged bleeding or spotting between periods. This is primarily due to the weakening of the brain-pituitary-ovarian axis and unstable fluctuations in the three female hormones, causing ovulation times to become unpredictable.

Decreased sexual desire is another common symptom. As women enter perimenopause, a drop in estrogen levels causes the vaginal lining to thin, reducing natural lubrication and elasticity. This can lead to pain, dryness, and bleeding during intercourse, consequently diminishing sexual desire.

Women in perimenopause often experience sleep disturbances. Pharmacist Hoa explained that hormonal changes in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, combined with hot flashes and night sweats, significantly impact sleep quality. Women may find it difficult to fall asleep, experience shallow sleep, or wake up multiple times during the night. These issues can result in fatigue, weakness, difficulty concentrating, reduced productivity, and a diminished quality of life.

Doctors at Tam Anh General Hospital advise women aged 40 on hormone checks. Photo: Hospital provided

Metabolic changes also occur due to hormonal disruptions from the declining activity of the brain-pituitary-ovarian axis. This leads to unfavorable alterations in blood cholesterol levels, with an increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and a decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). This prolonged state raises the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension. Women in perimenopause are also prone to weight gain and fat accumulation as the body tends to store more fat and metabolizes it slower. Additionally, calcium absorption decreases with age, leading to reduced bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis.

Emotional imbalances are frequently observed. Women in perimenopause often experience increased irritability, anxiety, sadness, and hypersensitivity. In some cases, these symptoms can progress to anxiety disorders or depression if not addressed and managed.

Pharmacist Hoa advises that perimenopause is a natural aging process. However, if symptoms cause significant discomfort and affect physical or mental well-being, women should seek medical consultation for timely intervention.

To alleviate uncomfortable perimenopausal symptoms, women should adopt a healthy diet, engage in regular physical activity, and ensure adequate sleep. Supplementing with essential nutrients that can influence the brain-pituitary-ovarian axis to balance the three key hormones, such as the natural extracts Lepidium Meyenii and P.Leucotomos, may also be beneficial.

Dinh Dieu